Thousands of Lugari sub county residents gathered in churches, mosques and public places as the world eagerly ushered in a new year on Wednesday hoping for a better future, and at the same time saying goodbye to a year of economic turmoil and tragedies that many would rather forget.
Hundreds of Christian’s faithful gathered at the Lumakanda Baptist Church to welcome the New Year in style.
The church priest Enos Ndagadwa called on religious leaders to use their closeness to God to pray for peace and the success of the nation, adding that peace can only prevail in the country with the support of God and people.
Ndagadwa appealed to the religious leaders to use their spiritual ability to clear all obstacles and difficulties that may stand as stumbling blocks in the peaceful co-existence and smooth running of the nation.
His sentiments were echoed pastor Julius Olindo of Matendo Baptized Church who also appealed to Christian and Muslim religious leaders in the country to claim and adopt a spirituality which promotes reciprocity, tolerance, harmony, mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence.
Pastor Olindo regretted various incidents witnessed in 2019 ranging from floods, landslides, hunger accidents, murder among others.
He also appealed to leaders to cool down the political temperatures that seems to divide Kenyans putting the country in electioneering moods. “Let this year be a year of change, and together let us foster dialogues as a means to handle contentious issues and chart a peaceful and more prosperous future. Let us recommit ourselves to be peacemakers” said Olindo.
For those who didn’t go to church and mosques, they joined their friends, relatives and colleagues in various hangout joints to usher in the new year in their own style.
The security for the annual event was incredibly tight with police officers patrolling all over to ensure that every one was safe. Everybody hopes and anticipates that 2020 will be a year of calmness, change and prosperity.
